You're listening to the Global News Podcast from the BBC World Service.

Hello, I'm Oliver Conway. This edition is published in the early hours of Tuesday the 31st of December.

Russia and Ukraine exchanged at least 300 prisoners of war. The UN warns of climate breakdown

with all 10 of the hottest years on record occurring in the last decade.

And Donald Trump backs Mike Johnson for another term as House Speaker.

Also in this podcast, he issued the first report that the world was actually warming.

He put solar panels on the White House.

Remembering the former American president who was ahead of his time.

Russia is thought to be holding at least 8,000 Ukrainian prisoners of war and may be capturing

more as it advances in the east.

Ukrainian families are desperate to get their loved ones back and even held a Christmas demonstration calling for their release.

Their fears are made worse by reports that Russia is executing increasing numbers of POWs,

at least 127 this year, according to Ukrainian prosecutors. On Monday, though, there was some good news

as Russia and Ukraine exchanged hundreds of prisoners. The Russian Defence Ministry said

150 soldiers were swapped by each side in a deal mediated by the UAE. Ukrainian officials said

they had received 189 soldiers,

many after more than two years in captivity,

and some seriously injured.

Our correspondent in northern Ukraine,

Will Vernon, saw them arrive.

The wait is finally over.

Thank you. The weight is finally over. Ukrainian families overcome with emotion as they greet their left ones.

...